Friday Fashion Tip

Add visual interest to your outfit with a printed vintage purse.

One easy way to add some pop to your look is to incorporate a fun, vintage piece.  I got this 1970s quilted handbag at a yard sale for $1.50 back in 2002.  I think that was money well spent.

I wore it to the Greentopia Sneak Peek for the Rochester Blogger Network last night and got a ton of compliments on it.  Someone even asked if it was the new Vera Bradley pattern!  Love it!

Here is how I styled it:
(Apologies for the crappy #selfies - my official photographer (the hubs) coaches football it's double session time.)

Acute Designs earrings, Old Navy top, Anthropologie belt,
Lands End Canvas skirt

I think that's my "sexy secretary face"

And this is the infamous "smile with head tilt"
I need to trademark that shiz...

And the #selfie headshot (another classic)
I'm kind of loving my new frames.  I think they scream:  I run a blogger network - don't you?

Looking for a fab, vintage item to kick your wardrobe up a notch?  Why not check out my three favorite vintage retailers in good ol' Rachacha:

1.  Far Out Vintage
2.  Panache Vintage and Finer Consignment
3.  Treasure Trove Vintage

Be sure to tell them The Flower City Fashionista sent ya!

xoxo

Jenny

PS- If you're not local, save your tears.  You don't have to miss out on all the fun, thankfully Al Gore invented the internet so shop, shop, shop!

  

Just a Quickie

Hey Kids!

Just a quick one today - been running crazy all week trying to get back on track after vacation.  There just aren't enough hours in the day!

Notebook available at Target.

I wanted to let you all now that I finally joined the rest of the blogging world and am using Passionfruit for my ads/sponsorships.  Check that out here.

Tonight is our 3rd event for the Rochester Blogger Network.  You can get the scoop on that here.

And I'm happy to announce that I am going to be styling runway shows and dressing models for Fashion Week of Rochester!

Annnnnnnd I'm working with Rochester A-List for an exciting #ShopLocal Fall Trends Project.

Lots of great stuff in the works so stay tuned!

xoxo

Jenny

  

F You're Fedorable

While in Florida, I finally found a fedora large enough to fit my enormous cranium at HW Davis Clothing and Shoes in good ol' St. Augustine.  As it turns out, I'm completely obsessed, wore it almost every day, and even bought a second one to leave at my parents' beach house.  I know:  I'm sick.  What can I say?  When you have a head this big you live by that old adage: "if the hat fits, buy two."

Dying to see how my big head and I wore it?  Enjoy!

Here is one of my favorite fedora stylings from my vaca:

Dorfman Pacific Co. fedora (DPC Global Trends label in size LARGE),
Element dress, Steve Madden shoes
Jewerly:  the usual suspects

Love that this look will transition into fall - add cardi and booties (not pictured) and you're done!

What do you think?  Have you hopped on the fedora band wagon?  Or feel it's just too played out?  I'd love to know.  I speak for my big head and I when I say I'm loving this trend!

xoxo

Jenny

 

Two for Tuesday: Talk Nerdy to Me

If you follow me on instagram, this post will probably be a complete waste of your time.

You've been warned.

Anywho, for those of you who don't know:  I got new glasses!  Woot!  Woot!

It wouldn't be right for me to visit the great state of Florida and not pop in to Fisher Eye Associates in Oviedo.  Good thing I did:  turns out I was four years overdue for an eye exam.  Oops!  This also means I've been wearing the same frames for the last four years, which means that (obviously) I needed not one, but two, new pairs.  One of the perks of having a sister and brother-inlaw who own an optometry practice is access to great frames

We all know I've had a hankering for some nerdy girl glasses and after much deliberation, this is what I ended up with:

I know, I know.  Old news.  Posted on instagram Friday.  What can you do?!

Pair Numero Uno = Coach

Pair Numero Dos = Dolce and Gabbana

Which pair do you like best?  (If you can't decide that's ok too - neither could I!)

xoxo

Jenny 

  

Made in America Monday: Zkano Socks

Before we know it, sandals and flip flops will be put away, and boot season will be upon us.  I don't know about you, but I usually opt for a few new pairs of socks each fall - and this fall, I'm most excited about my blue and cream striped pair from Zkano:

Zkano socks are USA-made, family-owned, and sustainably-produced - three causes I love to support.  They are made from organic cotton, conform to your feet, and maintain their elasticity and softness wear after wear.

If you'd like to update your sock wardrobe with high quality, environmentally-friendly, and fashion-forward socks, today might be your lucky day.  I'm teaming up with USA Love List to give one $50 Sock Shopping Spree from Zkano!

Giveaway ends Sept. 5th at midnight.
The winner will be randomly selected, verified for correct entry participation, and notified by email. 

Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best of luck lovelies!  Check out all of these fun patterns and styles - which will you choose if you win?

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Zkano is one of 7 mills in Fort Payne, Alabama remaining from a town that once had 300 mills.

Listen to the story of Gina Locklear, Zkano founder and see exactly what you are supporting when you buy Zkano socks:

When Bad Necklaces Happen to Good People

Ever find yourself wearing something, not because you love it, but just because it was there?

Guilty. As. Charged.  

I need to get better at purging and wearing/keeping only what I love, so that mistakes like this don't happen:

Check out that necklace.  What the ____ was I thinking?!

As you know, I'm down at my parents' place in Florida.  I keep a small selection of clothing here, so I don't have to bring anything when I travel.  Unfortunately, this means there are a few gems lying around that would be better off in a Good Will donation bin.  This necklace is one of them.

I found this bead/shell concoction in a drawer and for whatever reason, decided to put it on instead of throw it out.  It completely ruins this look.  Don't underestimate the impact accessories can have on a outfit - they can make or (in this case) break it.  There's a reason you've never heard the phrase "Golden Girls Chic..."

Let this be a cautionary tale.  The next time you find yourself reaching for an item just because it's there ask yourself: Do I love it? Does it add to my overall look or detract from it? Would I buy it today? If you answer negatively to any of those questions, let it go. You're much better off with a smaller wardrobe full of items you love, than a closet overflowing with less-than-wonderful pieces.  

When in doubt, remember that simple is often best.  As Coco Chanel said: "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory." - Oh, if only I had taken her advice!  

What about you?  What's your latest fashion faux paux?  Please share below and let me know I'm not alone! 

xoxo

Jenny

  

Two for Tuesday: Madewell Cutoffs

One of my favorite items in my summer wardrobe is a pair of Madewell acid wash cutoffs.  They are distressed, just lose enough, and can be worn with anything.

Here are two examples of how I styled mine this week:

1.  Daytime Shopping

Dorfman Pacific Co. fedora, Madwell sunnies, F21 top, Target bag, Madewell cutoffs.
Doesn't get much easier than this:  no makeup, no jewelry, no shower?  No problem. 

2.  Beachside Dinner

Madewell sunnies (as headband), Shop Peppermint earrings, TJMaxx top,
JCrew belt, Beau ring, a million bracelets, Madewell cutoffs.

What's your favorite wear-with-anything summer staple?

xoxo

Jenny

   

Made in America Monday Happened on Friday

Hey Kids, 

Still in Florida for another week.  Just wanted to touch base and let you know that posting will probably continue to be sporadic until I am back home to my routine [with childcare].

If you missed it, "Made in America Monday" happened on Friday.  Crazy right?!  You can check that out and enter the giveaway here.

In other news, my giveaway for the $100 Sears/Kmart/LandsEnd gift card is still going on.  Remember, you can tweet for extra entries every day.  Get the scoop on that here.

And, last but certainly not least, The Flower City Fashionista hit a major blogging milestone:

Thank you so much for reading!!!  I couldn't do any of this with out you!!!  Now, to get that number as my DAILY page views...

Love you like I love sunshine and sand between my toes,

xoxo

Jenny

 

Made in America Friday? (Get Grounded Flip Flops Giveaway)

I know.  I know.  Just go with it.

I know my series is called "Made in America Monday,"  but I'm on vacation and this is my blog so I can do what I want.  Ha!

I just had to tell you about this great, new, made in the USA company called Get Grounded Footwear.    Considering I've been beachin' it for the past week, flip flops have been on the brain.  And these babies look so comfy, I wanted all of you to have a chance to rock a pair before summer left for good:

In addition to being American-made and wear-all-day comfortable, all Get Grounded Footwear™ have the following features:

* Contoured Grounding Footbed with Full Surface Contact
* Massaging Accupods™
* TerraTread™ Tree Root Traction System
* Durable TerraMater Footwear® Material

And in case you're wondering what this whole "grounding" business is all about, (I was clueless) watch this:

Interesting, huh?

Want to know the best part?  I'm teaming up with USA Love List for another fabulous giveaway.  If you're like me and the words "free shoes" are right up there with "did you lose weight?" and "80% off clearance rack" - stop whatever it is you are doing (even if it's reading my blog) and enter this giveaway to win a pair of Get Grounded Flip Flops:

You know the drill:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Vacation

I'm taking one.

This space is going to be vacant for the next week as I soak in sunshine, family time, and get some much-needed R&R (or chase my kids up and down the beach all day with a bottle of sunscreen... either way...)

Try not to miss me too much.

If you do start to get fashionista withdrawal (hey it happens to the best of us) - you can follow me on Instagram - I'll be sure to continue documenting every nanosecond of my life.  Have no fear.

And try not to be too jealous that I'll be waking up to this every morning:

I mean, you still have a chance to win a $100 gift card...life's not all bad...

Hope you're reveling in the last few weeks of summer.

Smell a flower, toast a s'more, catch a firefly, and spend some QT with the ones you love best.

Love you like I love beach vacations...

Miss you already,

xoxo

Jenny

  

Raise Your Hand if You Like Free Clothes

Do thoughts of back to school and cooler temps have you dreaming a fall wardrobe update?  Are you high on style, but low on cash?  Would $100 gift card to spend on clothes and a FREE personal shopper to help you spend it sound pretty darn good right about now?

Well, you've come to the right place.

As I'm sure you already know, I am a personal shopper for Sears/Kmart/Lands' End and my services are 100% complimentary.   My clients are treated to personalized online catalogs based on their shopping needs, exclusive coupons and promos, price comparison services, closet overhauls, personal shopping trips and so much more.

As sweet of deal that is, it is about to get even sweeter:  I am going to give away a $100 Sears/Kmart/Lands' End gift card to one lucky client.

The ONLY criteria to enter the giveaway is to sign up as client and you can do that right here.

Giveaway* runs through September 1, 2013 and is open to US residents only.

*Must have a minimum of 50 entrants to run.  Contest is open to both new and current clients.

Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best of luck lovelies!  Can not wait to shop together!

What will you buy if you win?

xoxo

Jenny

  

Two for Tuesday: The Yocal Local Edition

Hi Friends!

Been working on some local shiz today:

1.  Like this piece on What to Wear to a Rooftop Pool Party.

2.  And this exciting new local blogger network that I co-founded back in June.

I am currently unshowered and trying to bang out as much work as possible before I have to pick up the beasties from the sitter.

Feel free to avert your eyes if the glamour is all too much for you...

Check ya later.

xoxo

Jenny

  

That Time I Wore Silver Pants ~ A Special Edition of Made in America Monday

No, not this time:

This time:

I'd be lying if I said I saw these metallic silver skinny jeans and instantly fell in love.  Actually, I didn't give them a second glance.  I picked out the same jeans in black for a girlfriend to try on and went about my merry way.  Thankfully, Miss Kiley (owner of Kouture) handed me a pair, told me they were REVERSIBLE, on sale for $40!!!!, and insisted I try them on.  I'm so glad I did.  They fit PERFECTLY and are just far enough outside my comfort zone to be fashionably fun.

What are these magic, reversible jeans you ask?  Well, (sadly for you) Kouture is currently sold out, buuuuut, they are BLEULAB, retail for $225 and are proudly made in the USA.  I'm obsessed, if they weren't sold out I would buy them in every color.  Love, love, love!

More on this look:

Madewell Sunnies on My Head

Groop Dealz Necklace

Top:  Forever 21
Jeans:  BLEULAB Detour Leggings in French Chalk with Silver Coating

Left:  Balla Bling, yard sale find, Stella and Dot, Madwell ring, estate piece
Right:  Michael Kors, Stella and Dot, Cornells
J.Crew Clutch

BCBG wedges via TJ Maxx
Stella and Dot earrings

Are you having a case of the Mondays?  Try wearing something a little outside your comfort zone this week; remember, fashion should be FUN!  Take a lesson from the Tin Man and throw some metallic into the mix, you might just surprise yourself.

xoxo

Jenny